Destiny’s Kiss Heads Grafton Cup 2013 Betting

After an ultra-impressive win in the wet at Rosehill last Monday, the Joe Pride-trained Destiny’s Kiss has been installed at the top of the 2013 Grafton Cup odds for Thursday’s classic staying showdown.

Power Of Destiny four-year-old Destiny’s Kiss is one of a capacity field of gallopers engaged to face off in the $150,000 Listed Grafton Cup (2350m) which will be the 100th edition of the great race.

Despite drawing awkwardly in the second widest gate, 17 into 14 with the three emergencies out, Destiny’s Kiss is still being spruiked as the one to beat in Grafton Race 7.

They’re after their third on the trot having also won at Rosehill two back on a Dead (5) leading up to their easy two and a half length effort in the Listed Winter Cup (2400m) on a Heavy (9) when carrying 55.5kg.

They go up to 56kg on Thursday and are currently paying $4.40 through bookmaker.com.au to beat the top class field.

There are just three other runners under $10 in the Grafton Cup betting markets currently, the $5 second fancy being Zennista.

Drawn in gate eight with Damian Browne to ride on 57kg, Lisa Latta’s New Zealand-trained mare is another last start winner having easily accounted for her rivals in the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast on June 29.

Browne was aboard for that run too, the Zenno Rob Roy mare improving on her nice third behind Moriarty in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup (2400m) the star before.

While she carries more weight in the Grafton Cup there’s plenty to suggest Zennista has what it takes to win so long as she gets the right sort of run.

Occupying the third line of betting at $7 is then Mr O’Ceirin who is still rated a genuine shot at the title despite drawing the extreme outside barrier in the big field.

Well weighted with 56kg the Victorian stayer was an emphatic winner at Moonee Valley two back with 59.5kg but failed last start when 60kg proved too much weight in a handicap won be De Fine Lago.

Coming back on the scales here and going up to just under a mile and a half will suit the Postponed gelding formerly raced in New Zealand.

The only other runner at single figures paying $9 is then the 59kg topweight Voila Ici.

The Peter Moody-trained import is yet to win down under despite a number of close calls including their second in the Caloundra Cup when carrying 59.5kg in the muddy conditions.

They have 59kg for Thursday but with a firmer track could have a chance to finally break their maiden status in Oz.

There’s then a whole host of double figure chances in the Grafton Cup markets out for an upset including Reuben Percival ($10), Shenzhou Steeds ($11), Fiumicino ($12) and Peal Of Bells ($15).